Any tips on getting the coils compacted?

You can rent a tool from Auto Zone. It works well but BE CAREFUL!! If the spring lets loose it will damage the car or kill you. Take precaution and fabricate a barrier if you can to reduce the risk of injury. If you can't find the tool of don't have an Auto Zone near I have the tool if you need it. Good Luck.

Ed

A few of us have made a tool out of 5/8" all thread (good quality, McMaster Carr stuff), nuts, washers, and some sort of sturdy plate for the bottom (I used big thick angle). You run it up through the shock mount hole in the frame and the control arm.

I did that with mine that I bought from Sears. Just didn't use the top of the "claws".

That's an idea. You clawed the bottom and put a nut at the top?

Yup. You just have to watch the claw doesn't slip off the spring. Put a socket on top and raise her up.

I hooked a heavy duty drill to mine and it saved some ratchet time,, I got mine from auto zone,, took me quite a while to figure it out,, but when I did the second one,, I had it done in twenty minuets..... no kidden...

anyone have a pic of the tool?

Here is what mine looks like:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM5782289201P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

I have a similar one as well. Worked fine.

i have some outside the coil ones... but i doubt those would work...

I can't remember why, but I tried an outside one and it did not fit our application.

that's what i thought